Common Causes Of Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion, commonly referred to as a stuffy nose, occurs when the tissues and blood vessels within your nasal passages become swollen due to inflammation, irritation, or excessive mucus production. This can make breathing more difficult, impact your sense of smell, and may also lead to sinus pressure or headaches.

Common Causes of Nasal Congestion:

1. Viral infections: Common illnesses such as the cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 can lead to inflammation and the accumulation of mucus.
2. Allergies ( Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever ): Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, dander and mould, this can cause sneezing, congestion, runny nose and itchy eyes due to histamine release.
3. Non-Allergic Rhinitis (Irritants & Weather Changes): Strong odours, smoke, pollution, perfumes, and spicy foods can cause nasal inflammation. Additionally, cold, dry air can dry out and inflame nasal tissues.
4. Rebound Congestion (Rhinitis Medicamentosa): Using decongestant nasal sprays for more than three days can lead to a worsening cycle of congestion once the spray wears off.

When To See A Doctor:

• Congestion lasting more than 10 days with no improvement.
• Severe facial pain or pressure (may indicate a sinus infection).
• Blood in mucus or frequent nosebleeds.
• Difficulty breathing or signs of sleep apnoea.

How To Relieve Nasal Congestion With Natural Remedies

• Steam Inhalation: Take a hot shower or inhale steam from a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head, Add eucalyptus or peppermint oil for extra relief.
• Sinus Nasal Spray Or Rinse: (Neilmed Sinus Flush, Saline Nasal Spray) flushes out allergens, mucus, and bacteria. Use sterile or distilled water to avoid infection.

How To Ease Nasal Congestion With Over The Counter Products

For Quick Relief Use For No Longer Than 3 Days:

• Oxymetazoline;(Vicks Sinex) Fastest relief, but can cause rebound congestion.
• Phenylephrine :(Sudafed, Lemsip) - shorter-acting, but similar effect.

For Allergies - Long-Term Use, Daily Relief

• fluticasone:(Nasofan) - Steroid nasal sprays that reduce inflammation over time.
• Antihistamines: (Claritin, Zirtek, Benadryl) - Reduce allergy symptoms, but Benadryl can make you drowsy.

For Sinus Pressure And Mucus Build-up

• Pseudoephedrine: (Sudafed, Benylin) - Oral decongestant that shrinks swollen nasal tissues.

Guaifenesin (Benylin) - Thins mucus, making it easier to drain.

For Postnasal Drip & Non-Allergic Rhinitis

• Ipratropium Nasal Spray (Otrivine) - Helps stop a runny nose.

When To Choose What

• Mild congestion - Saline spray, humidifier, steam inhalation.
• Severe congestion for a short time Sudafed
• Allergy-related congestion - Flonase and antihistamines (Zirtek, Clarytin etc.)
• Sinus pressure & mucus build-up - steam therapy.